"Each and every day memories of my beloved sister tap me on the shoulder, continuing to bless me. Barbie was the most dedicated sister, always giving me words of encouragement and delighting me with her positivity. I miss her so very much. So many times I experience unforeseen events and automatically think to myself: "I have to tell Barbie about this". I guess I will have to journal about them and share with her in heaven. Recently, when flying from Dallas to Sydney, we encountered difficulties due to the airbus not having sufficient fuel and Brisbane would not allow us to land due to storms. We were diverted, fortunately to New Caledonia and informed the flight crew was operating according to "survival protocol". On hearing the gravity in the pilot's voice, I wondered: "Is this the day I meet Jesus?" And, "will Barbie be grinning as she looks over His shoulder?" . I continue to love you, Barbie!"
In loving memory of
Barbara Mathison
October 17, 1939 - October 5, 2019
BARBARA MATHISON, 79, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2019, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, Minnesota, after a long and courageous battle with metastatic liposarcoma. She was born October 17, 1939.
Barbie met James Mathison at the age of 13, and they were married 5 years later on May 10, 1958. Jim passed away in February 2010, while he and Barbie were visiting friends in Phoenix, Arizona. They shared their life together raising 3 children, Robin Mathison Metzler (Ron Metzler), Green Bay, Wisconsin; Jonathon James Mathison (Kathleen), River Falls, Wisconsin; and Rebecca Mathison Hindermann (Matt), Rochester, Minnesota. She is preceded in death by her parents, Byron and Irene Lowrie and brothers, Lloyd Lowrie and Don Lowrie.
Barbie's pride and joy were her grandchildren -- Allie Metzler Carlson (Lucas), St. Peter, Minnesota, Lauren Metzler, Nashville, Tennessee, and Isaac Metzler (Tess) Des Moines, Iowa; and Michael Hindermann and Joey Hindermann (Melissa), both of Rochester, Minnesota -- and she attended 2 of their weddings in 2019.
Other surviving family members include her sisters, Jean Lowrie Nelson and Kathryn Lowrie McAlister; her sisters-in-law, Marge Lowrie and Vicki Lowrie; and Jim's sister, Jaculyn Mathison Applegate, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Barbie enjoyed her many years working at the Olmsted County Government Center until her retirement. She continued working for the County after retirement, including acting as a jury assistant during her years dealing with cancer. She treasured the friendships she made with her co-workers.
Barbie also enjoyed her many friends, especially her time spent with Ken Zimmerman during the past year and being known as "Barbie and Ken". She also loved lunches with her Red Hat ladies, high school classmates, and the Government Center retiree group.
Barbie was extremely proud of her journey with Christ, and she was recently baptized at Autumn Ridge Church. Her faith family was very important to her, as was her time spent after church on Saturday night having dinner in the Common Grounds Cafe with these very special friends.
Barbie will also be remembered by many for her hugs and love of "dressing up" in true Barbie style.
A Celebration of Life ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Timothy Chapel at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Rd. SW, Rochester, Minnesota. Lunch will follow in the Common Grounds Cafe located in Autumn Ridge Church, and all are welcome.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Mathison family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"To the family of Barb Mathison I am so sorry to hear of Barb's passing. She was a warm and friendly neighbor. I will keep you all in my prayers. Marilyn Hines "
"Sorry for your loss. Barb was a special lady, condolences to the family. Bob and Carmen Riggott"
"I am sorry and surprised to hear of recent passing of Barbara We small group, friend indeed, at Autumn Ridge Church will miss her joyful participation May God fill the family with peace and hope of Heaven during this difficult time With sympathy Kai An"
"Dear Robin and Ron, Allie and Luke, Lauren, and Isaac and Tess, We are so sorry for the loss of an amazing mother and grandmother. She deposited love and goodness in each of your lives. Enjoy the abundant beautiful memories of her?? Love you all, Laurel and Dan Simons"
"We are so sorry for the passing of our sweet friend Barbie. She will Be missed but we know she is in her eternal home in heaven and is without pain and suffering. Barbie will always be remembered for her beautiful sincere faith in Jesus Christ, her happy friendly spirit and her love of life. Her ?I love you?s were always sincere and warmed one?s heart. Barbie was strong, courageous and loved so much by so many people. We are not saying goodbye but ?see you again at heaven?s gate ? when you welcome us to our eternal home in heaven. We love you Barbie and will miss you. You will always be in our thoughts. "
"Jon, Kathy and Family, Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are going to you in this difficult time. Do not forget that, unfortunately, this is the Circle of Life. May God bless you all. Carmen, Emma & Vic Herea"
"I will always remember Barbara for her very warm hugs and warm heart. The twinkle in her eye when we would tease each other. Her service on the Communion Team will be missed. Barbara served with her heart. We have 5 Saturday teams and Barbara was on 4 teams for Saturday to serve communion. How we will miss her. She as a very special friend to have that is for sure. I want you to know that Gary & I will have Barbara's family in our prayers at this time . God Bless"
"Jon & Kathy & Family We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Your Thursday Night Hockey Buddies"